Find Your Texture Type
Emmy winning stylist Andre Walker first developed a hair type system to classify his clients’ hair. With input from readers on natural hair forums and websites, we’ve refined the system and defined nine distinct texture types to help you choose the best products for your waves, curls and coils.
Coily Hair (Type 4)
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Tight, coily, fragile curls Well-defined “S” curl pattern Crochet needle or smaller in circumference |
Tight, coily, fragile curls Less defined “Z” curl pattern Hair bends in sharp angles |
Tight, coily, fragile curls Curl pattern won't clump without styling Little to no visible definition |
4A: Coily Springy
4B: Coily Crimpy
4C: Coily Ziggly
Curly Hair (Type 3)
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Loopy "S" pattern with well-defined curls Hair has a lot of body and spring Curls are sidewalk-chalk size in circumference |
Loopy "S" pattern with well-defined curls Hair has a lot of body and spring Sharpie size in circumference |
Tight corkscrew curls Hair will bounce back when pulled Pencil or straw size in circumference |
3A: Curly Twirly
3B: Curly Spirally
3C: Curly Coily
Wavy Hair (Type 2)
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Gentle “S” shaped waves Hair lays close to the head Benefits from light styling products |
Stronger “S” shaped waves Hair lays close to the head Has a tendency to frizz |
Strong “S” shaped waves or curls May have underlayer of straight hair or ringlets Frizzes easily |
2A: Wavy Swavy
2C: Wavy Whirly